Ready to make your home exchange listing as irresistible as a freshly baked cinnamon bun? Let’s see a little bit past the technicalities. Here are some things that I find appealing. I’d love to hear what you think – do we share some – do you have others?
Describe what makes your place unique. Is it the cozy reading nook by the window? The awesome vintage record player? Make them feel like they’re already there.
Talk about the lifestyle your neighborhood offers. Is your place a short walk from a amazing farmers market? Or maybe there’s a secret little spot nearby that only the locals would know? A popular bakery with two tables, a little, quiet pond with a bench. I will never forget what one of our exchange partners wrote in our guest book: “The region is stunningly beautiful”. I was flabbergasted! Really? My everyday life?! Suddely I saw my neighborhood with new eyes. Don’t underestimate your average everyday place. Some have never seen anything like it – and love it!
If you’ve got a garden or even just a few potted plants, flaunt it! People love a bit of greenery, and it shows that your home is a peaceful, nurturing space. Plus, who doesn’t love waking up to birds chirping and squirrels… squirreling? Are there deers to see from the kitchen window if you’re up really early, still misty and dewy grass? If you don’t have a green thumb… Maybe they will take “I try to make my two potted plants survive” as a challenge! A little humouristic thouch could be quite appealing.
If you’re open to pets, pet owners will jump at the chance to bring their fur babies along. Let’s be real – there are less opportunities, and a warm welcome a blessing.
Create a little guide with your top picks for restaurants, cafes, and attractions. People love insider knowledge, and it shows that you’re eager to help them experience your town like a local. For me, how to get groceries is appreciated. Can I walk there? Can I order for home delivery?
And please, please, please, no toilet pics (at least, put down the lid). Nobody needs to see that.
I love when someone let their personality shine through! If you’re quirky, laid-back, a busy family with kids. I want to stay in a home, not a hotel, so I’d love to see a little glimpse of the real, awesome persons behind the listing. This also let me find a good match if I have special interests myself – then I know we can connect – or that you know what I would like to see and explore. Sometimes a swap is more about the right partner than the location. You don’t really care about where your granny lives, do you - it’s granny, after all!
What kind of people would love to come? Sometimes there is a disconnect. If you live rural, it might be appealing to city dwellers, but they can’t get to your place, lack of car, lack of drivers licence. Can you pick up at a station or airport? Drive them to a grocery store pre-sit? Things like that could be a solution if you find it difficult to get offers. But never offer anything you are not really comfortable with, it is important also to say “no, sorry” if you are not comfortable. Then it isn’t a good match, and a good match is imperative to a good exchange.
What do you think – anything you already do, something you picked up – or maybe you have ideas to share?